Veterans thank George Compton

Re: your Sept. 16 article, “Farewell to a friend,” in the Communities section of The Star:

Karen Hibdon’s very comprehensive and interesting article about Col. George Compton tells us much about what his service has done for the benefit of all veterans in our county.

However, those of us whom have worked with him since he took over on all of the various projects dealing with veterans affairs, be they large events or just giving aid to an individual, regardless of his or her problem, owe him a huge debt of gratitude.

I am taking the liberty of representing Chapters 24, 99 and 55 of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1679 and the other VFW posts in the county, the American Legion posts, the Ventura County Vietnam Veterans and all the other organizations that have felt the “touch of the master” over the years, in a “hearty, thank you George, our friend!”

I have written many times about the old-school work ethic taught to my generation by most of our parents. I recall, during the Depression, my dad told me:

When you ask for a job, convince your future employer that working for him ( in those days there were few “her” bosses) is the most important event in your life.

If he hires you to work eight hours, or what ever amount of time, don’t quit without finishing what you were doing or, if you finish early, do some cleanup or find some simple extra chore.

Be polite, do not be afraid to ask questions, take good care of his equipment, tools, etc., always be clean and neat.

If you deal with customers, treat them with the same respect as you would want.

He added, If you do these things, you will always have a good job.

I tell this story because I am certain, somewhere along the line, George picked up this attitude from parents or military superiors at the beginning of his career.

To all of us, it has been obvious. He has put his heart, soul and total energy and time into being the most effective county veterans service officer possible.

One time, I had scheduled him to be our speaker for our monthly meeting. That night, he seemed a little weak and not his usual animated self. When I asked if he felt all right, he told me he had just gotten out of the hospital that morning. He would never think of postponing what he considered an obligation.

We will all miss George Compton, but good luck with an enjoyable and successful retirement.

— Max Van Der Wyk of Ventura is senior vice commander of Chapter 24 of the Disabled American Veterans.